Higher education program graduates in the ring at the end of the show at Tohu.

Photo: Roland Lorente

Acrobatics class for students in the Circus and High School Studies program.

Photo: Roland Lorente

BY THE NUMBERS

The Foundation has contributed more than $7million to the school’s operation in the past 25 years

150 students attend the school annually

15,000 items are available in the school’s library

80 people work at the school

Fostering the Passion of Performance

Who hasn’t dreamt of running away and joining the circus? Since 1981, there has been a place of higher learning in Montréal where joining the circus is more than a dream, it’s a passion fulfilled. The École nationale de cirque (National Circus School) is the only school of its type in North America, attracting students from across Canada and around the world. It has become the springboard for famed troupes such as the renowned Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Éloize and The 7 Fingers.

Current tuition fees fund only 16 per cent of the school’s operations. Consequently, the money raised by the Foundation ensures continued supporting of educational programs and funding for financial support and health services to students.

Also through the work of the Foundation, the school moved in 2003 into a spacious new facility adapted to the specific needs of the institution, the Cité des arts du cirque, which allows the teaching of all disciplines under a single roof while promoting student safety. The new studios have enabled the school to offer more than its secondary- and college-level academic education specifically for circus artists. It now undertakes the professional development of instructors and trainers of circus arts involved in recreational programs, social initiatives and training program preparation.

A home away from home

For students who are legal minors, the school offers housing in a building adjacent to the school itself. There are 12 bedrooms available, each able to accommodate two to three students, providing convenient and secure housing. Regular meals and supervised study groups are at the residents’ disposal.

A unique gathering of specialists

The school has a staff of over 80 teachers, lecturers and guest artists, a unique group of specialists in circus disciplines, education, sports and the performing arts. All of these professionals are highly accomplished in their respective fields.

The school has its own library, opened in 2004. It possesses one of the most important collections of circus arts-related documentation open to the public in America. It’s also home to the Center for Circus Arts Research, Innovation and Knowledge Transfer (CRITAC)—a network of leading circus arts professionals, performers and academics.

“Corporate donations are an important part of the annual fundraising conducted by the school’s Foundation,” says Éric Langlois, the School’s Executive Director. “When a company of Power Corporation’s stature actively supports the school we are able to encourage other companies to do the same, confident they will be in good company.”

“Studying at the École nationale de cirque (National Circus School) taught me that there are no limits to what I can achieve if I work hard. But I was not on my own—the School, the Foundation and donors like Power Corporation helped me realize my dreams.” Calin J. Stevenson, 2012 graduate, Dragone performer.

“The performing arts come in many forms, and the Foundation has done a remarkable job in carving a unique place for the school on the world stage,” says Paul Genest, Senior Vice-President of Power Corporation. “Circus performance is a vibrant thread in Québec’s cultural fabric. Many circus companies that were founded in the province have gone on to international acclaim. Power Corporation values the school’s efforts to foster new generations of circus performers who entertain, enthrall and inspire us all.”

BY THE NUMBERS

The Foundation has contributed more than $7million to the school’s operation in the past 25 years

150 students attend the school annually

15,000 items are available in the school’s library

80 people work at the school

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When a company of Power Corporation’s stature actively supports the school we are able to encourage other companies to do the same, confident they will be in good company.